How to Shop for Roof Racks

When searching for a brand-new roof rack, you need to know the length you’re looking for. A bigger rack may carry more gear, but it also takes up more roof space and comes with a heftier price tag.

It’s essential to choose a rack that adequately carries your gear and fits your vehicle to a tee. Refer to the guide below to figure out what roof rack size is best for your vehicle. These are absolute maximums.

53”-60" long:

60"+:

1-6 bikes

1-2 kayaks

2-4 surfboards

1-12 pairs of skis

1 cargo box that’s small enough to fit 1 kayak beside it

Besides the roof rack’s crossbars, there are several other factors you need to consider when searching for the right roof rack — your vehicle’s weight limitations and roof type. Each roof rack has a different weight, and you want to be sure that your vehicle can support your desired rooftop accessory. To determine the maximum weight your roof can carry, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

You can pick your base rack style based on the type of roof you have. Your ride’s roof will fall into one of the following categories, making it simple to find the perfect roof rack: naked roof, factory mount roof rack or rail-mount roof rack.